Which toothpaste is right for me?

When choosing which toothpaste to buy, look for a toothpaste with the American Dental Association seal. The FDA requires the manufacturers to meet certain guidelines, but do not test all of the products for compliance. The American Dental Association conducts extensive testing to ensure that the products meet the standards and are effective in their claims.

Always use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay. Enamel demineralization occurs when the teeth are exposed to acidic conditions i.e pH below 5.5. Healthy saliva has a pH of 6.8-7.4, under this condition, calcium, phosphate and fluoride help rebuild enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay.

If you have sensitive teeth, look for a brand of toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate helps reduce sensitivity by sealing up the dentinal tubules, blocking the transmission of pain from the surface of the tooth to the nerve.

If you suffer from frequent canker sore outbreaks, use a sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) free toothpaste. SLS is a strong a surfactant and foaming agent. It gives you a bubbly, foamy feeling, however it can breakdown the protective lining of the mouth, leaving the underlying tissue irritated and prone to canker sores.

If you are at moderate to high risk to tooth decay, we will recommend a prescription toothpaste such as Clinpro 5000 with Tri-Calcium Phosphate (TCP) or MI Paste Plus/ MI Paste One. Clinpro 5000 has 5X the fluoride of OTC toothpastes and specially formulated TCP  to allow for more fluoride availability to strengthen teeth and protection against decay initiation and progression.

MI Paste Plus/ MI Paste One has the same fluoride level as OTC toothpastes, however it contains minerals and  RECALDENT™ , derived from a naturally occurring protein found in cows’ milk, CPP-ACP (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate).  MI Paste boosts the saliva’s ability to neutralize acid and restore normal pH levels, improves saliva flow and fluoride absorption, as well as soothes sensitive surfaces.  MI Paste can also be effective in treating white spots or other minor tooth discoloration which is caused by lack of calcium.

What toothpaste does your dentist use? I use Sensodyne Pronamel in the morning for sensitivity and it is SLS free. At bedtime, I use Clinpro 5000 for enamel protection and remineralization.